“I’m just worried,” she sighed, “that as everything opens up, it’ll go back to the way it was before.”
My friend Ally* and I have talked through all kinds of weighty topics, but this was the first time I saw her blinking back tears. My heart sank as I listened because I knew she was right. As our church had adapted to this “new normal,” God had opened a new door to connect with those like Ally, and I didn’t want to see it close either.
Ally is chronically ill—or as she prefers, ✨chronically fabulous.✨ She’s young, intelligent, wise, bold—and usually tied to her house. She had been living in the margins, in essential quarantine, long before the rest of the world knew what “social distancing” was.
“Your digital strategy will still be a lifeline to someone. So let’s steward it well.”
But as things shut down for everyone else, the world opened up in a new way for her. Suddenly, our church stepped up our livestream game. There were too many zoom Bible studies available for her to attend them all, and online communities were being carved out nearly everywhere.
“Before the pandemic,” she recalled, “I had gotten used to being left out. But with the taste of being included again, I felt a side of me come alive that has been dead for a long time.”
Now, as in-person meetings become accessible for the majority of us, I don’t want us to forget Ally and all those she represents. The church has proven incredibly adaptable this year, and I want us to use what we’ve learned to be accessible for our whole community.
Your digital strategy will still be a lifeline to someone. So let’s steward it well.
Don’t forget those who remain at home.
We know that embodied worship is the church’s aim. On this side of total restoration, however, that’s not going to be possible for everyone. Some will still be too sick to attend regularly. Some may be seeking Christ without their family’s approval. Children and youth who cannot drive may not be able to find a reliable ride.
Most of us have seen how our digital world has tapped into an opportunity we might not have expected. Now that lockdowns are behind us, though, we shouldn’t give up on reaching those who remain online.
Instead, Christians should still be present and evident online. We can still make our digital spaces a means for real connection, community, and Bible ministries. Here are a few suggestions.
Acknowledge those watching via livestream.
You might not think much of it, but a glance into the camera and a welcome acknowledging those watching online can mean a lot. It communicates that you know they exist and you care about them.
If possible, consider a direct shout-out to those you know who must regularly watch from home. A personal touch is especially significant for those who feel isolated.
Consider all-digital Bible study or small groups.
Bible study groups will look different from one church to the next. Whatever you call them and regardless of when they meet, however, you should have some kind of discipleship class.
“Have a staff member checking in and supporting them as they read the Word, pray, and commune together. ”
Consider starting an Bible study group that “meets” online if you don’t have one already. Depending on your community, you can equip someone in your convalescent community to lead it. Even most senior adults are adept enough with technology to do well with some support.
Just as you would with other small groups, have a staff member checking in and supporting them as they read the Word, pray, and commune together.
Don’t just set up a camera in the corner.
I’m not sure if you’ve had the *privilege* of attending an in-person meeting from a laptop propped in the distant corner of a room, but it usually doesn’t feel very good. Sure, you’re somewhat included, but it strongly emphasizes the “somewhat.”
Instead of fostering connection, these setups can actually reinforce feelings of isolation. You can rarely hear or say anything, most people forget you’re there, and it can feel a lot like looking into a fun party through a window.
Suffice it to say, most people would rather study the Bible alone than attend a meeting like this. We can do better to incorporate those at home into meaningful parts of your community.
“Ideally, everyone should have the opportunity to gather, study the Word, and pray in community with other believers.”
If you include digital access to an in-person Bible study, pause to ask direct questions to those online. Have someone regularly check the chat feed for questions or comments.
Establish a point person to visit and follow up with those who don’t attend in person. Ideally, everyone should have the opportunity to gather with someone, study the Word, and pray in community with other believers. In the digital age, we can make that happen more easily.
Enlist prayer support.
It’s hard to express how honored I feel when Ally texts me to ask for my prayer requests. Honestly, a lot of my problems feel small in comparison to hers. Still, she prays for me while she’s awake fighting through pain at all hours of the day and night. She listens well and reminds me of biblical truths. Her encouragement and admonition sink deeper because I know there’s nothing trite about them.
If you don’t already have homebound believers praying for you and ministering to the rest of the church, you’re truly missing out. They have usually spent some time in the valley of the shadow of death and can testify to God’s faithfulness there. And most are happy to pray you through the highs and lows of your life and ministry as well.
“If you don’t already have homebound believers praying for you and ministering to the rest of the church, you’re truly missing out.”
When I asked Ally for her thoughts on this topic, she wrote, “It makes me teary to think you care about me and this struggle.”
And honestly, it makes me teary to think that she feels this way. We have shown ourselves to be incredibly innovative this last year. Let’s use that momentum to care well for those who remain homebound.
Marie Burrus is UBA's Communications Specialist. She manages, edits, and contributes content for UBA's blog, website, and social media outlets. Marie uses her Master's degree in Intercultural Studies, missions experience, and lifelong love of words to write on missions, outreach, culture, and the Christian life.
*Names have been changed